Volunteering feeds the spirit

Link to article in swnewsmedia.com

Guest Column by Deb Taylor

Senior Community Services serves tens of thousands of Minnesota seniors and their caregivers annually, and much of the caring outreach is done thanks to the dedication of 3,700 volunteers. Yes, nearly 4,000 compassionate souls who step forward when there’s a need to make life better for older adults and their families.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, but we should brag about them all year long.

Minnesota’s volunteers are among the 26 percent of Americans who give their time and talents to serve their communities. And they love it; the feeling of doing good is satisfying. It reminds us that we can make a difference. Volunteering strengthens our families, our communities and gives us a sense of purpose larger than ourselves. Being a blessing to others is one of the purposes for our lives as humans — to make a difference with our lives — to be of service.

And we’re discovering that volunteering is good for our health, and even enhances lifespan longevity. Researchers at Britain’s University of Exeter Medical School found that volunteers are more likely to experience less depression, increased life satisfaction, enhanced well-being and even a 20 percent decrease in mortality compared with those who don’t volunteer.

Volunteering feeds the mind, body and spirit. Volunteers discover that every day by the many ways they enrich their lives and the lives of others.

Here’s one of my favorite tributes to volunteers:

Valuable is the work you do.

Outstanding is how you always come through.

Loyal, sincere and full of good cheer,

Untiring in your efforts throughout the year.

Notable are the contributions you make.

Trustworthy in every project you take.

Eager to reach your every goal.

Effective in the way you fulfill your role.

Ready with a smile like a shining star,

Special and wonderful — that’s what you are.

Thank you Minnesotans for all you do to make your communities better.